Murdoch University has awarded its highest honour, an honorary degree, to four outstanding achievers.
Freddie Yeo, Craig Ewens Carter, Noel Schoknecht and Graham Hardie received the honours at Murdoch University graduation ceremonies on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 of September, 2024.
Film producer
Globally acclaimed film and television producer Freddie Yeo was presented with a Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) for his contribution to the arts and film industry.
Image caption: Chancellor Gail McGowan, Honorary Doctorate Freddie Yeo, Vice Chancellor Andrew Deeks, and Murdoch Guild President Heidi Austic.
A Murdoch University alumnus, Freddie Yeo’s producing credits include the films My Magic, Tatsumi and Be With Me - which were all selected for the Cannes Film Festival; 20th Century Fox’s Agent 47; and HBO Asia’s series Serangood Road. He was also the local co-producer of Warner Brother's Crazy Rich Asians, which broke new ground as the most successful film featuring an all-Asian cast.
Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks said Freddie Yeo shared his success with his hometown of Singapore and with the University.
As an ambassador for the Screen Arts in Southeast Asia, Freddie’s networks have brought a rich array of artistic opportunities to Singapore and surrounding countries, along with the economic outcomes of box office success."Professor Andrew Deeks
“He has also remained an enthusiastic supporter of Murdoch University and has generously shared his time and knowledge with our students and community," Professor Deeks said.
Energy pioneer
Adjunct Professor Craig Ewens Carter - a pioneer in the deployment of renewable energy technologies in Western Australia - was awarded a Doctor of Science (honoris causa).
Image caption: Craig Ewens Carter receiving his Honorary Doctorate from Chancellor Gail McGowan at Murdoch University's graduation ceremony.
“When Craig started his work thirty years ago, renewable energy was new and unproven,” Professor Deeks said.
He championed renewable energy and is now recognised as one of Australia's leading experts on the integration of wind generation into power grids.” Professor Andrew Deeks
Soil scientist
Soil scientist Noel Schoknecht was awarded a Doctor of Science (honoris causa) for his groundbreaking work in making soils data accessible in Australia to the benefit of the agricultural sector.
Image caption: Noel Schoknecht receiving Honorary Doctorate from Murdoch University on stage at graduation ceremony.
Schoknecht spearheaded the drive to make soils data accessible in Australia. This approach is now the official policy of government entities and funding bodies in the agricultural sector.
Noel is held in high regard by policy makers in the agricultural and natural resources industry and has been an essential contributor in helping Murdoch to reach priority goals and remain a leader in this area."Professor Andrew Deeks
Business legend
Perth business leader Graham Hardie was awarded a Doctor of the University (honoris causa) for his service to the Western Australian community.
Throughout his career, Graham Hardie has successfully created and steered corporate growth in industries including hospitality, commercial development, freight and farming.
Image caption: Graham Hardie receiving his Honorary Doctorate from Chancellor Gail McGowan at Murdoch University's graduation ceremony.
He has used his business skills to expand and transform businesses, and along the way generated thousands of local jobs and supported many Western Australian charities.
“Graham was a Pro Chancellor at Murdoch University for three years and served on Murdoch University Senate for nine years,” Professor Deeks said.
“Murdoch benefited greatly from his expertise and depth of experience in business, finance and property, particularly during his two terms as Pro Chancellor.
Graham and his wife Kathy, who is a proud Murdoch alumna, established the Hardie Foundation, with charitable donations being directed primarily to children/youth, health, medical research and education, including the Harry Perkins Institute, Ngala and Special Olympics Australia.” Professor Andrew Deeks
All honorary doctorates were presented by Murdoch University Chancellor Gail McGowan PSM during the University’s graduation ceremonies on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 September 2024.